Children are victims of domestic abuse the world over, but this is especially true in Arab communities in general and Saudi society in particular.
Who hasn’t witnessed a mother screaming at her child in a shopping center? Who hasn’t seen a family member or a relative or a neighbor abusing a child physically? Haven’t you ever straightened out your child’s attitude with physical abuse?
Violence against children is a very important issue because it causes damage not only to the family but also to society as a whole. A child who suffers from violence and physical abuse will in turn grow up with aggressive behavior.
And it’s not just physical abuse. Emotional abuse and many forms of negligence are part of the problem. Belittling children, depriving a child of welfare, ignoring a child’s problems and disallowing a child a chance to speak his or her mind are all examples of domestic abuse.
Sexual abuse is the most sinister form of non-fatal violence perpetuated against children. Reports of sexual abuse are on the rise, and studies have shown that the most likely person to sexually abuse a child is somebody close to the child, if not a family member. The abuser exploits children’s innocence, thinking that they can’t report to others what they cannot understand. If all else fails, the assaulter will use fear to keep the child at bay, or make the child feel responsible and deserving of the abuse. The consequences of sexual abuse on a child are horrific and lasting.
Negligence is another form of domestic abuse, albeit banal in comparison to sexual abuse. Nevertheless, negligence has its own consequences. Parents who believe that simply bringing a child into the world is the extent of their inherent responsibility fail to understand children’s need for guidance throughout their formative stages and even beyond.
Upbringing and nurturing a child is an immense responsibility. Our society should recognize proper child rearing for what it is: the hope and future of our society.
